Ambulances carried three cyclists down the road on the Tour de France during Tuesday's brutal stage. Here's an update on their conditions.
US speedster Fred Rodriguez and Dutch cyclist Erik Dekker both went down after hitting a pothole outside Verviers.
“Fast Freddy” didn't suffer any broken bones, but is in a Dutch hospital with a “heavy concussion,” according to his Davitamon-Lotto team's website. A three-time US Pro Cycling Champion who lives in Emeryville, California, Rodriguez, 32, was the last to lead out teammate Robbie McEwen for his Stage 2 victory.
Dekker also is recovering in a Dutch hospital. The Rabobank veteran (this is his 12th Tour de France) hit the deck face first. According to the Le Tour Live website, he was put under general anaesthetic so gravel could be removed from his face. He also chipped several teeth.
Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde crashed on the open road Tuesday when he apparently touched the wheel of a rider in front of him. The 26-year-old leader of the Caisse d’Epargne-Illes Balears team was a leading contender to win this year”s Tour de France.
The cyclist, who has already been flown to a hospital in Spain, broke his right collarbone. It was a clean fracture that may not require surgery, the team director told Le Tour Live. The team is hoping that Valverde recovers quickly enough to participate in the Vuelta a Espana.
Another American, Chris Horner of Davitamon-Lotto, crashed Tuesday on the approach to Valkenburg, which explains how he lost 8 minutes overall. Velogal says he dislocated his finger.
Australian sprinter Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) reported fractured a vertebra in his lower back when he ran into a utility pole, according to VeloNews. Both riders returned to the peloton on Wednesday.
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